Funeral Motorcade for President Jimmy Carter to Begin at Phoebe Sumter; Public Encouraged to Observe Departure Ceremony

Americus, Ga. – People around the world will focus their attention on Phoebe Sumter Medical Center Saturday as the hospital serves as the starting point for public ceremonies celebrating the life of former President Jimmy Carter.

“Our country has lost a great statesman, and our community has lost one of its most ardent supporters.  President Carter was exceptionally proud of his Sumter County roots and loved this community as much as any person possibly could,” said Carlyle Walton, Phoebe Sumter President.  “The Phoebe Sumter Family was honored to care for President Carter on many occasions over the years, and it is our solemn privilege to play an integral role as our community, our country and the world celebrate his life and mourn his passing,” Walton added.

In a scene reminiscent of what occurred in November 2023 following the passing of President Carter’s beloved wife – former First Lady Rosalynn Carter – the Carter family motorcade will arrive on the Phoebe Sumter campus from Plains at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday.  President Carter’s remains will be transferred to a hearse, accompanied by past and present members of his U.S. Secret Service detail.  At 10:30 a.m., the motorcade will depart Phoebe Sumter for Plains before traveling to Atlanta, where President Carter, who served as Governor of Georgia from 1971 – 1975, will lie in repose at the Carter Presidential Center.

“Through the endeavors of The Carter Center, President Carter worked tirelessly for decades to improve the health of people around the world.  Here at home, he was a devoted supporter of Phoebe Sumter and our vision, “to make every life we touch, better,’” Walton said.  “We are honored to host this historic event as the world focuses on President Carter’s incredible legacy, his humanitarianism and his commitment to leaving the world a better place.”

The Highway 280 entrance to the Phoebe Sumter campus will be closed from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Saturday.  The public is invited to pay respects along the motorcade route, which includes the Highway 280 entrance road to Phoebe Sumter.  The public may park in and view the motorcade from the pecan grove on the east side of that entrance road.  There is also a memorial area along the campus entrance road where people may leave notes or other items in honor of President Carter.  Signage will direct people to the parking area from Highway 280. The Georgia State Patrol plans to close Highway 280 in that area at 9 a.m. on Saturday, so members of the public should arrive to the parking area before that time.

More details about the motorcade route and other activities celebrating President Carter’s life and legacy are available at www.jimmycartertribute.org.